Clothesline Project highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Monday

The messages written on two T-shirts are among many - too many - that are part of The Clothesline Project.

The project raises awareness about domestic violence and its victims and survivors, and in Orange County those T-shirts have become a hallmark of October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“It is 31 days, and we do have to mourn the 23 women that have been murdered since 2004, but we also get to celebrate and honor those that have survived, are able to have a life free of violence - and whose T-shirts are also reflected on that clothesline over there - (a life) of triumph, and success and a new hope, ” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, the executive director of Safe Homes of Orange County.

On Monday, at the Newburgh Business and Community Center. Orange County officials and the staff of Safe Homes, Orange County’s provider of services and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, marked this year’s campaign to raise awareness about the issues, to celebrate victims’ strength, and - in a goal foreshadowed by the T-shirts - break the silence around the subject.

County Executive Steve Neuhaus, state Senator John Bonacic and Assemblymen Frank Skartados and James Skoufis pledged to continue their efforts to keep the county’s victim services programs fully funded - something they’ve done in the face of state program budget cuts in recent years.

Their efforts helped Safe Homes and the City of Newburgh Police Department get a $200,000 grant for a pilot program to evaluate the potential for domestic violence situations to turn lethal. The program pairs a victim advocate from Safe Homes with police officers to follow up on cases that meet the criteria for particular concern, with home visits, counseling and court-case monitoring. The program started on Oct. 1.

Neuhaus talked about the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault, and the need to change society, and the way we act.

"When you talk in ways that disparage women or bring them down, this is where it starts," he said.

Kostyal-Larrier urged everyone to do one thing this month to bring attention to domestic violence - whether it’s just posting something on social media, or going to an event - or sharing the Safe Homes hotline with someone in need.

"You can play a role in changing someone’s life," Kostyal-Larrier said. "Matter of fact, you can save someone’s life."

hyakin@th-record.com

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